HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has certified Aeos Labs, Inc., a private independent laboratory on O‘ahu operated by Clinical Labs of Hawai‘i, to begin testing medical cannabis flowers from licensed dispensaries as well as registered patients and caregivers. The provisional certification was granted today after the laboratory successfully passed its final onsite inspection and met requirements that demonstrate it has the capacity and proficiency to test cannabis plant products in compliance with state law.

“The certification of Aeos Labs provides more options for dispensaries to receive accurate and valid testing of medical cannabis,” said Wanda Chang, DOH Environmental Health Analytic Services Branch chief. “Requiring international accreditation standards and a rigorous certification process ensure laboratories are using acceptable methods and processes for consistent testing and results. This is a critical step in providing safe medical cannabis products for registered patients.”

Aeos Labs is the third laboratory in the state to earn certification for testing of medical cannabis. Steep Hill Hawai‘i on O‘ahu received certification last year in July and Pharmlabs Hawai‘i, LLC on Maui was certified last year in October.

A laboratory is restricted from handling, testing, or analyzing cannabis or manufactured cannabis products for regulatory purposes until it is certified by the state. Certification allows a laboratory to conduct specific tests required by Hawai‘i Administrative Rules 11-850 to ensure the safety of products sold to registered patients in Hawai‘i.

To receive certification, a laboratory must complete validation studies to demonstrate its ability to produce consistent and accurate results for the following tests: cannabinoid profile (including THC); compounds that are considered “active ingredients;” heavy metals such as arsenic, pesticides, solvents, moisture content, microbial contaminants, intestinal bacteria and pathogens; dangerous molds that can cause infection and disease; and toxins produced by molds. In addition, a laboratory must also meet specific laboratory accreditation standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Hawai‘i are required to have their products tested for safety by a state-certified independent laboratory prior to sale. Laboratories interested in providing testing for medical cannabis on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, Maui, or O‘ahu may apply for state certification at http://health.hawaii.gov/statelab/.